U.S. Citizens for Immigration Law Enforcement held a counter rally outside before the forum began with nearly 50 advocates of stricter immigration control holding signs in support of arrests throughout the country by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement. Some of the signs read: "The ICEman Cometh" and "Have an ICE day."

Opposition members said many of the immigrants in Danbury came to the United States illegally and should be punished for breaking immigration law.

A few opponents attended the forum but were not allowed to bring in their signs.

The event went on without any disruptive confrontations. About 10 WestConn police officers were in attendance.

McGahan spoke of the September arrests of 11 Ecuadorean day laborers near Kennedy Park in Danbury and similar raids that have occurred across the country, including the more than 1,000 people arrested in the Swift Co. meat-packing plant raids that occurred in six states last year.

"They are not criminals. They are people who have come here to work," he said.

AFL-CIO National Worker Center Coordinator Eddie Acosta said immigrants and their supporters need to continue lobbying for legalization for all workers in the United States and to oppose guest worker programs in favor of more green cards.

"Immigrants have always been here. They are the backbone of the middle class," Acosta said.

About 20 people commented following presentations by panelists. All but one spoke in support of immigrants' rights.

Matt Orr, 38, of Danbury questioned why immigrant rights' supporters believe anyone has the right to become an America and gain citizenship. He also referred to some of the comments at the forum as "simple-minded ideas."

Some audience members responded by booing.

No one mentioned the ICE arrests that occurred in Danbury earlier this month.